Multi-state ground search called off for Idaho teens feared abducted by FLDS Church

KIFI on July 3, 2025

Seth Ratliff

TEMPLE, Texas (KIFI) — The Uvalde Foundation For Kids has ended its 10-day multi-state ground search for missing Idaho teens Allen Larand Fisher and Rachelle “Shelly” Leray Fischer. The foundation announced this morning that new information suggests the teens are being hidden in one location by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), who are suspected of abducting the children.

“At this juncture, new information we have received, coupled with an exhaustive multi-state ground search… has led us to end our active ground search for the moment,” Daniel Chapin, founder and national director of the Uvalde Foundation, told reporters. “We do not believe these kids are being transported anywhere at this point.”

The foundation’s search efforts involved 48 volunteers who dedicated over 120 hours and covered more than 1,000 miles, pursuing leads across Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona.

Despite ending the ground search, Chapin affirmed the foundation’s commitment to finding the teens. “We will, however, continue to investigate the case & pursue all leads. We are not giving up on these kids. They will be found.”

The children were last seen wearing traditional FLDS attire. Rachelle was in a dark green prairie dress with braided hair, and Allen was wearing a light blue shirt with blue jeans and black slip-on shoes, similar to Crocs. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the Jefferson CSO at 208-745-9210.

For more information on their disappearance and why the teens may have been abducted, click HERE.

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Expert advises to be mindful of pets during upcoming fireworks shows

News-Press NOW on July 3, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The 4th of July is a time of celebration, but one holiday staple may cause anxiety for furry friends.

The loud bangs across the country will be heard far and wide, and experts have some recommendations for keeping pets safe and calm.

“When you are taking your dog out, if you do have an inside dog, even if you have a fenced-in yard, I would take them out on a leash,” Training Manager at Fantastic Fido’s, Rushelle Willis, said. “If a firework does go off, there’s several stories that I read on social media, July third, fourth, fifth, that their dog was in a fenced-in area, they jumped the fence, now they’re lost.”

According to The Kennel Club, firework season sees an 81% increase in dogs going missing. Willis recommends always taking dogs outside on a leash during the holiday and until the eighth or ninth, in case of fireworks. She also says to utilize a crate if a dog is kennel trained.

“I would put it in a room that doesn’t have any windows,” Willis said. “A basement, if you can utilize a basement and that way the noise barrier is less.”

In extreme cases, medicine can be given to animals with high anxiety to help calm them down, but Willis said to seek advice from a veterinarian.

“Calming chews, but I would contact the vet before I administer those as well,” Willis said.

She said too much affection can make the situation worse and no specific breeds have a higher likelihood of getting anxious over fireworks.

In her seven years working at Fantastic Fidos, Willis has luckily not received any runaways from 4th of July fireworks.

“Utilize the crate, not unintentionally reward the behavior, but let them be in a quiet area,” Willis said. “Another thing they can use a sound machine, turn on their television, or radio.”

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American Falls Mayor Rebekah Sorensen resigns

KIFI on July 3, 2025

News Team

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — American Falls Mayor Rebekah Sorensen has announced she is stepping down to focus on her family while completing a new home in the county. Her resignation, effective immediately, comes at a complex time, but Sorensen says she’s confident City Council President Gilbert Hofmeister will do “a fantastic job as mayor.”

“I support him wholeheartedly and extend congratulations to Mayor Hofmeister and Councilman Perez,” Sorensen wrote in a post on Facebook announcing her resignation. “I am rooting for you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for American Falls!”

Mayor Sorensen was thrust into the role shortly after the resignation of former Mayor Marc Beitia in 2020. Sorensen, a former stay-at-home mom who had only recently entered the world of city government, entered the mayoral office during the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, she

 Reflecting on her time in office, Sorensen stated, “Feeling nervous and hopeful, I trusted that the city council and employees would stand beside me while navigating a significant new role. Through the years, these remarkable people have been encouraging and supportive while we worked through problems and progress. I am incredibly thankful and proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Sorensen.

Local News 8 has included Mayor Sorensen’s full statement below:

On July 1, 2020, I was unexpectedly thrust into the role of mayor during an uncharted COVID-19 summer. Feeling nervous and hopeful, I trusted that the city council and employees would stand beside me while navigating a significant new role. Through the years, these remarkable people have been encouraging and supportive while we worked through problems and progress. I am incredibly thankful and proud of what we have accomplished together. It has been a pleasure and tremendous honor to serve and represent our great city. I have led with respect and integrity, listened to learn, and have been honest in word and deed. Much work has been done and much has just begun while the city leadership moves forward into very capable hands.

After five rewarding years serving as Mayor of American Falls, I have stepped down from my role to focus on family while completing a new home in the county. The timing of my resignation has been complex, but this is the right decision and timing for the council and the future of the city and employees. Gilbert Hofmeister has been a constant source of assistance and friendship through the years, and I know he will do a fantastic job as mayor. I support him whole-heartedly and extend congratulations to Mayor Hofmeister and Councilman Perez. I am rooting for you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for American Falls!

With love and gratitude,

Rebekah K. Sorensen

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Rollover crash in Harrison County injures five

News-Press NOW on July 3, 2025

News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Five people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Harrison County just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2.

The crash happened at the 96.4-mile marker along I-35, just four miles north of Bethany, Mo.

The vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon, was southbound on I-35 as it travelled off the left side of the roadway into the median and struck a drain field and became airborne.

The vehicle then landed back on the ground, overturned and came to a rest in the median on its passenger side.

Of the five people, a female child less than one year old, a three-year-old female child, a 28-year-old female and a 39-year-old male, who was driving, sustained serious injuries.

An 8-year-old female child sustained minor injuries.

All three children were transported by ambulance to Harrison County Community Hospital.

The adult female was transported by ambulance to Liberty Hospital and the adult male was transported by ambulance to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City.

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Wentzville man drowns at Lake of the Ozarks

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Wentzville man drowned on Wednesday evening at the Lake of the Ozarks.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 70-year-old man was on a 2002 Triton TR20PD boat when he fell overboard at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 8-mile marker at Workmen Hollow Cove.

The drowning report states a bystander pulled him out of the water.

The man was not reported to be wearing a life jacket, according to the online report.

This is the first drowning reported by MSHP at the Lake of the Ozarks for the summer.

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July 4th fireworks shows, parades, festivities

KVIA on July 3, 2025

Nicole Ardila

You might not be allowed to pop your own fireworks in the city but there are plenty of places across El Paso County where you can enjoy spectacular shows and festivities.

Ascarate Park will have food trucks, a swimming pool, VIP picnic party and fireworks. The event is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Southwest University Park will have a fireworks show after the Locomotives FC game, which starts at 7 p.m.

Western Playland in Sunland Park will have a fireworks display from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wet N’ Wild Waterworld will have extended hours until 8 pm, but their fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

If you’re looking to enjoy a parade, eat some barbecue or listen to some great music, the county has it all.

Here’s just a few to pick from:

Rotary Independence Day Parade starts at 9 a.m. at the Western Hills Methodist Church.

The Cleveland Square Park Celebration in Downtown El Paso will have live music and family-friendly festivities from 7 p.m. 10 p.m. Lawn chair and blankets are encouraged.

The Town of Anthony is hosting a parade at 10 a.m., recognizing law enforcement, civic leaders, and small businesses.

The City of Socorro is hosting their annual Independence Day Xtravaganza at 5 p.m. at Cougar Park, featuring two-time Latin Grammy award winner and Tejano music star Michael Salgado and fireworks.

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Overnight changes restore four lanes of traffic through 8th Street project in Colorado Springs

KRDO on July 3, 2025

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — For the first time since a $12 million improvement project began a month ago, four lanes of traffic are open on the north end of 8th Street, on the city’s southwest side, between Fountain Creek and the US 24 Frontage Road.

However, the two northbound lanes also serve as turns into a shopping area and onto the frontage road.

Crews performed lane shifts in the area overnight Wednesday, in advance of the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Workers also re-striped lane markers there to make it easier for drivers to follow the changes.

Officials said that crews will work around a short lane closure slightly south of the project, at the intersection of 8th and Costilla streets, near a McDonald’s restaurant; that closure steers traffic around the east end of a concrete project for the 2C expanded street paving program.

Traffic had occasionally backed up in the northbound lanes as drivers had to merge into one lane on the creek bridge, where a pedestrian bridge was removed.

Officials said that the new alignment creates more space to add a new section on the east side of the bridge that will hold a wider sidewalk, serve as a future connection to the nearby Midland Trail, and allow crews to perform maintenance on the 75-year-old bridge.

Workers have also created several platforms across the creek to provide easier access for heavy equipment.

The new alignment will remain in place through the summer; it will get a good test from traffic next week during the annual Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo.

The project also includes building a dedicated right turn lane from northbound 8th Street to the frontage road.

Local driver Karl Domino is one of many drivers who find the traffic impacts bewildering.

“I have to go through it,” he said. It’s either this or US 24 that’s already built up with a lot of traffic, I call myself taking a shortcut going the back way off 8th Street. It’s ridiculous.”

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See St. Joseph: celebrating the 4th with a bang

News-Press NOW on July 3, 2025

Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph residents will celebrate Independence Day this weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of events in town to help with the festivities. News-Press NOW’s Kendra Simpson planned out the weekend for the last time in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph.

To start the weekend off, St. Joseph, along with the rest of the country, will be celebrating the 4th of July, and what’s the 4th of July without fireworks?

Every year, the North Shoppes are lit with the glow of a grand fireworks display and this year is no exception. The St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities Department will put on their annual show beginning at 9:30 p.m., or 15 minutes after sunset, Friday night, with viewing available through the North Shoppes parking lots, with primary viewing at the YMCA, Green Acres, Regal Hollywood Theatre and Kohl’s. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and drinks for an evening of patriotism and family fun.

While celebrating the fourth, why not throw in America’s favorite pastime: a baseball game?

This Independence Day, the Mustangs will be honoring veterans and active military with a military jersey auction, two free deck tickets and all you can eat hot dogs. They will also be hosting their little Mister and Miss Mustang Competition and of course, it’s not the 4th of July without a fireworks spectacular. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Mustangs Baseball field.

Finally, after a long weekend of loud noises and performances, let’s wind things down with loud noises and a performance!

This Sunday, the Imagine Eleven concert series returns with the Revelation Band: a Journey Tribute. They’re going to be rocking Coleman Hawkins Park “anyway you want,” so “don’t stop believin'” the night is going to be “one in a lifetime.” Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy delectable treats from local vendors. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Sunday in Coleman Hawkins Park.

When out celebrating Independence Day this weekend, wear sunscreen, point fireworks up and stay safe. Tune in to News-Press NOW every Thursday for Rebecca Evans, who will be taking over See St. Joseph.

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Highway Patrol prepares to start counting period as an increase in holiday travelers is expected

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol begins its holiday counting period Thursday night for the Fourth of July weekend. MSHP is calling its safety efforts “Operation C.A.R.E”, a crash awareness and reduction effort.

During the 2024 counting period, the highway patrol reported 14 people killed and more than 500 hurt in Missouri in nearly 1400 traffic crashes over the holiday weekend. Troopers also arrested 149 people for driving under the influence.

AAA projects more than 70 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home for the independence day holiday, an increase of nearly two million more travelers compared to 2024.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is also stopping work on most maintenance and construction projects starting Thursday at noon until 6 a.m. Sunday Morning.

The 2025 Fourth of July holiday counting period will go through 11:59 p.m. Sunday night.

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you shooting your own fireworks this year?

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Matthew Sanders

Fireworks are big business in Missouri.

Last year, the state imported nearly $86 million of the stuff — the most per capita of any state. Many of those sales can be chalked up to people traveling through from elsewhere. But as anyone who lives here knows, quite a bit of the spending on fireworks comes from Mid-Missouri locals.

And with the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, people will get even more chances to make some noise of their own by buying their favorite fireworks. (Here’s a link to some safety suggestions if you’re one of them)

Do you plan to shoot your own fireworks this year? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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